Agenda

To receive any apologies.

To authorise the signing of the minutes of the Council Meeting held on 14^th May 2025, attached.

Matters especially brought forward by the Lord Mayor.

To elect a Leader of the Council for the remaining year. Following the election the Leader will announce membership of the Cabinet and any changes to Portfolios.

Matters especially brought forward by the Leader.

To receive any requests for Deputations, Presentation of Petitions or Public Questions.

The following petition has been received which under the Council’s Procedure Rules is a qualifying petition which must be debated at Council.

(i)  Newly Introduced Parking Charges in Bitterne - 2,352 signatures

Report of the Leader seeking approval of the Southampton 2035 City Plan.

Report of the Leader seeking approval of Southampton City Council Corporate Plan.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services seeking approval of the Capital Outturn 2024/25.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services seeking approval of the Revenue Outturn 2024/25.

Report of the Leader of the Council setting out Government's plans to reorganise Local Government and the potential implications for Southampton.

Report of the Leader of the Council, attached.

(a)  Moved by Councillor Moulton

Council calls on the new Leader and Executive to reconsider the proposed sale of the Amoy Street Car Parks in Bedford Place.

Council recognises the vital importance of these car parks to Bedford Place, London Road, and the wider area, as they provide convenient and safe long-stay parking for shoppers, visitors, residents, and workers across the retail, office, and other sectors.

Council further calls on the Leader and Executive to:

1. Undertake direct and detailed consultation with local businesses prior to any final decision;
2. Carry out a full economic impact assessment to evaluate the consequences of losing these and other nearby car parks;
3. Ensure any final decision is taken at a public Cabinet meeting, not through officer delegation.

Additionally, Council calls on the Cabinet to publish a list of all car parks in the Bedford Place area that have been formally approved for potential disposal, so the full implications can be properly understood.

Finally, Council agrees that this approach should also apply to any future proposals to dispose of car parks in other areas such as Bitterne, Woolston, and Shirley.

(b)  Moved by Councillor Kloker

Introduction

This Council Notes:

Our globally rare and ecologically fragile chalk streams, such as the River Itchen and River Test, face increasing threats from pollution, over-abstraction, and unchecked development. These waterways, internationally recognised for their rarity, are not only unique ecosystems but also cherished assets at the heart of Southampton’s identity and wellbeing.

There is widespread agreement among nature NGOs like The Wildlife Trusts and World Wildlife Fund that the safeguarding of chalk streams requires engaged, informed communities and robust support for local initiatives. With only 14% of UK rivers in good ecological health and none in good chemical health, the need for urgent, grassroots action is clear. Public concern in Southampton has grown, as highlighted by the River Itchen Scrutiny Inquiry (2022-23), and the city’s residents are eager to take an active role—through citizen science, education, and hands-on projects—to clean up rivers and restore local nature.

Central to these efforts is investment in blue-green infrastructure: networks of healthy rivers, estuaries, parks, and natural spaces that deliver vital ecological services and climate resilience. Such investment is not a luxury but a foundational part of Southampton’s economic regeneration, enhancing quality of life, attracting new opportunities, and supporting sustainable economic growth. By prioritising blue-green infrastructure, the City can leverage the passion and expertise of its community—through groups like Friends of Itchen Estuary, Respect the River, Friends of Riverside Park, and many others—to create a thriving, nature-rich urban environment.

Recent discussions with Southern Water and continued momentum from local campaigns reflect the City’s shared ambition to achieve designated bathing water status for the Itchen estuary and make Southampton’s rivers safe, healthy, and as nature rich as they once were. Recognising the immense contribution that clean, vibrant blue-green spaces make to climate change resilience, economic vitality, wellbeing, and civic pride, this Council is committed to putting the community at the centre of river restoration  ...  view the full agenda text for item 14.

To consider any question of which notice has been given under Council Procedure Rule 11.2.

To deal with any appointments to Committees, Sub-Committees or other bodies as required.

NOTE: There will be prayers by Reverend Tony Palmer in the Mayor’s Reception Room at 1.45 pm for Members of the Council and Officers who wish to attend.